Soulpost collected 7 phrases that can interfere with your career and work in general.

"Could you…"- no matter what you want to ask for, this form of the question conveys your doubts and diminishes the efforts you are asking about for another. This turnover is easy to replace with a no less polite, but more confident with the word “please”: “Do, please ...”, etc.

"It may not work, but ..."- if it doesn't work, why offer it at all? It is difficult to take something seriously, even if the person who offers it is not sure about the result. Without undue modesty simply state your ideas.

"I think…"- a little less annoying and obvious than “It may not work,” but still conveying the same meaning - lack of confidence in your idea. Just take that phrase out of context.

"Excuse me"- Often people say this word constantly, for no reason. This can not only annoy others, but also reduce your self-esteem.

"One little question"- this phrase is also annoying. In addition, in response to it, your colleagues will give you less attention and importance. Speak at once what you want.“I need to discuss something with you” or “Now is the right time to discuss the presentation?” And if you really have one small question like “In which folder on the server is this?”, Then just ask it and that’s all, without intro.

"No problem"- It may seem that you simply agree to the task, but for the boss it sounds like you are doing a favor, not your job. Better to say: “I'll do it,” “I get it,” or “I can handle it in an hour ...”.

"I will try to"- unacceptable. You are asked not to try, but to do something. If the task seems difficult to you or you have a tight schedule, then explain what can prevent you.